Page 11 of Love Under the Microscope
And that’s a problem. A big one.
Obviously, what’s been published today is false, but many people believe what they read without a second thought. An impropriety like this could affect our launch. So much is riding on our newest product. Not only that, but women need Orchid. This accusation could derail everything Zentello has worked so hard for over the years.
Nope. I straighten. I can’t—won’t—let that happen.
I open my inbox to see if anyone has contacted me about the article yet. Thankfully, I see nothing out of the ordinary in the unread tab except…
I raise my glasses and take a closer look.
An email from Ernie is at the top of my inbox.
I glance at the damaging column to see it was written by Giovanni Bernard Shaw. His voice differs from Ernie Hemingway’s, so I don’t think they’re the same reporter. Giovanni and Josh Le Carré tried to blackmail Dr. Bradley Zimmer three years ago. I still can’t believe anyone would do that to sweet Bradley. He’s a geek to the nth degree—the n standing for “nerd”—but a kindhearted soul who deserves all the happiness in the world with his wife, Christina, a perfumer.
But to have Ernie contact me today, of all days, is strange. Especially when he’s asked for clarification on rumors in the past before something was published.
“Let’s see what you have to say for yourself, Ernie.” I click on the email and read.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Up for an interview?
Hey Zelda,
Sorry I’ve been out of touch for the past two months. Life got away from me.
I hope you’ve been well and enjoyed your summer. With my ginger hair, I should’ve bought stock in a sunscreen company as soon as I was old enough to invest. I went blond a few years ago to try something new, and I even got a spray tan. I still got a sunburn. Thanks to your sunscreen reminders, I didn’t burn as much this year, but I’m still happy fall is almost here.
Anyway, less of this playful flirting, because that’s what I’m doing if you haven’t guessed. You probably haven’t because I’m as good at flirting as I am at getting a tan. So, I’ll get to the point now.
What would you say about giving me an interview? I’d like to have a Zentello employee’s perspective. Questions such as… What’s it like to work at one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world? Do you feel pressure as the personal assistant to two CEOs? What kind of bosses are they?
I’m happy to send you a list of questions beforehand, and you can scratch off any you don’t want to answer.
Please reply at your convenience with suggested dates if you’re agreeable to me meeting you in person. I can also arrange a photographer.
Ernie
Immediately, my hinky meter goes off. At least that’s how I describe the knot quivering in the center of my chest. I’m sure there’s a scientific term for what’s occurring, but I can’t think of it. All I know is it’s quite a coincidence to get this email on the same day a rumor about the Orchid formula being stolen is published.
My stomach churns, thinking Nigel is involved somehow. It would explain so much because I have the feeling this article—and past ones—are part of a conspiracy to discredit Zentello and destroy Orchid. It’s too bad the only person I know at PharmaNews—and I use know loosely—is Hemingway. Oh well. Sometimes you have to play the game to get what you want.
And truth be told, I love playing games, especially if I can write the rules.
I type a quick reply with a proposition with an expiration time. That’ll tell me how serious this science journalist is, and if he is, I can jump on the situation fast and hopefully, shut it down before any damage is done to Zentello.
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Up for an interview?
Dear Ernie,
Nice to hear from you. My hair is auburn, so I understand the need for sunscreen. But I’ve never been a fan of spray tans. I end up looking like an Oompa Loompa (OG kind, not the remake ones). It appears we have something in common with our flirting and tanning skills.
But I digress.
